Testosterone
Testosterone is primarily synthesised in the testes and, to a lesser extent, the adrenal cortex and ovaries (females). Diminished concentrations may correspond to erectile dysfunction and infertility (males) whereas raised levels may indicate the presence of a testosterone-secreting tumour or, following administration of exogenous steroids (males or females), precocious puberty (males) or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (females).
Diagnosis of fertility and erectile dysfunction
Diagnosis of PCOS
Monitoring of steroid replacement therapy/detection of steroid misuse
Monitoring androgen ablation therapy during treatment for prostatic carcinoma
| Male | 10-30 nmol/L |
| Female | ≤ 2.0 nmol/L |
| Children | <10 years see report |
Stable at 2-8°C for 2 weeks.
Please freeze pending dispatch for analysis.
Sample can be sent by first class post.
Testosterone: SHBG ratio female reference range 1.0-6.0.
NB. From 1st December 2014, the method for female testosterone analysis changed to immunoassay. Samples with elevated results on the immunoassay method will be automatically reflexed for confirmation by LC-MS/MS analysis.
Samples received from external laboratories will continue to be analysed by LC-MS/MS first line; please request TesX to ensure the correct test is requested at booking in.
Grossly haemolysed and lipaemic samples are unsuitable for this assay.
Please note: This test is now also available at Chelsea and Westminster hospital, but UKAS accreditation for this site is pending.
Record last updated
August 27, 2025
Sample Container
5ml SST Vacutainers (Gold / Yellow top)
Sample Container
6ml Plain Vacutainers (Red top)
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Test Results
Yes, we have a Pathology User Guide
Yes. Please email your request to Imperial.nwlpcustomerservice@nhs.net
Results are communicated to clinical staff and are normally not communicated direct to patients either on telephone requests or in written report. If you need to contact us please click here to view the contact details page
Please contact the Customer Service Team Monday to Friday from 8:30am – 6:00pm on 0203 313 5353. Alternatively, see the Pathology User Guide for how to contact the relevant department. If advice is not urgent you can also email your query to Imperial.nwlpcustomerservice@nhs.net
Additional tests may be added by discussion with the relevant laboratory. The time limit for adding additional tests to a sample already received in the laboratory will depend on the type of sample and the department it was sent to.
Information on the repertoire of tests performed by pathology, including reference ranges, turnaround times and specimen requirements, can be found in the test directory.
Phlebotomy services are not managed by NWLP. For further information please see:
Imperial College Healthcare Trust Phlebotomy services
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Phlebotomy services
NWLP operates UKAS accredited medical laboratories as per the references below. The current scope of accreditation for all NWLP’s laboratories can be found on the UKAS website.
See the following UKAS ref numbers:
- Clinical Biochemistry Ref: 8673
- Haematology and Blood Transfusion Ref: 8674
- Infection & Immunity Sciences (Including Immunology, Virology, Microbiology and Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics ) Ref: 8659
- Cellular Pathology (Including Histopathology, Cytology and Molecular Pathology) Ref: 9615
If you require copies of our certificate of accreditation and associated documentation please contact Imperial.nwlpcustomerservice@nhs.net.
UKAS requires the laboratories to be accredited for a particular repertoire/scope (ISO15189), any changes or additions to repertoire require assessment by UKAS (extension to scope).
The BD Hospital Tube Guide, BD GP Tube Guide and BD Paediatric Tube Guide provide visual references to the correct tube types and collection instructions.
Home testing
INSTRUCTION SHEET FOR BLOOD SAMPLE COLLECTION
We also have two instruction videos available (one with subtitles and one without) – please click on the links to view the videos on Google.
Our accreditations
Upholding excellence in diagnostic standards
Our laboratories are accredited by the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) against the international standard ISO15189:2022. UKAS is the accreditation body for the UK that assesses medical laboratories.
Find out more about our accreditations on the UKAS website.
UKAS website